Global Reach

Middle East

We advise investors, financial institutions, corporations and government entities in this area of the world on matters involving project finance, IP, litigation, business reorganization and corporate law. Our experience with the region’s unique laws and regulations, coupled with our knowledge of the area’s culture and customs, enables us to effectively and efficiently guide clients toward successful conclusions.

Meridiam and Ronesans in Public-Private Partnership
Willkie advised the sponsors (Rönesans, Meridiam and other Turkish companies) in a €550 million public-private partnership contract for the design, construction, financing and maintenance of the Adana Integrated Health Campus in Turkey. This matter received the “European PPP Deal of the Year” award from Infrastructure Journal.

Dubai Fund in Barneys New York RestructuringWillkie represented Isithmar World, an investment arm of the government of Dubai and owner of high-end retailer Barneys, in a unique financial restructuring that was achieved without the need for a bankruptcy filing upon agreement with the company’s largest creditors.

Balli Holdings in the Formation of Cross-Border Joint VenturesWillkie represented Balli Holdings on the formation of cross-border joint ventures across several Middle-Eastern and North African jurisdictions, including, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Algeria and Morocco, in order to deploy a network to distribute earth-moving equipment.

ANZ Bank in Financing of Steelmaking Plant Extension Project in Saudi ArabiaThe firm advised ANZ Bank, as lead arranger and lender, in the $400 million financing of a steelmaking plant extension project, benefiting from an export credit cover issued by SACE, Euler-HERMES and OerKBm for the Hadeed Steel Project in Saudi Arabia.

Fortis Bank, SACE in $354 Million Financing of Steel Plant in IranWillkie advised Fortis Bank and SACE in the $354 million financing of the Hormozgan Steel Project in Iran.